Powwow Dance Styles: Fancy Shawl or Butterfly Dance

Powwow is not a tradition in American Indian culture. It is a new phenomenon and is only about 150 years old or so, depending on who you talk to. American Indians have always gathered in some social capacity to dance, but women have not always been included in this activity.

In my hub What the Hell Is a Powwow? I discuss the origins of Powwow and its current incarnation. One point that I did not cover is the topic of women's participation. I'm only going to touch on this briefly, and probably end up writing a hub on the topic. For now, just know that there was a time that women did not dance at powwow at all. Then time moved on and things changed and women not only began to dance, but also compete. At that time, in about the 1950's, the young women wanted a dance that was a break from what was then womens' traditional. It was the only dance class available at the time that was for women. They wanted something fun and fast and flashy, like the men and boys had, but with a feminine bent.

The story I was told was that a woman created a set of regalia for herself that was similar to what the women wear today. They used a tighter fitting, but modest, one piece dress and a fringed shawl. Instead of using the same fringe as the Southern and Northern women, which is a think millimeter cordage, they use silk or synthetic silk ribbons. Their moccasins are the same high boot style as the Southern Womens' Traditional dance.

The dance is executed in a similar manner to jingle dress dancers, but instead of using a twisting hop type step, they dance "crow style", with their legs pointed out in front. It is a very fast and difficult dance to learn and it can be tough on the knees. Nonetheless, young girls and women come out in droves these days for this dance. The audience always likes this dance in particular as well. It is, hands down, the most popular womens' style of dance for women and girls. Just like in the other styles, the dancers must attempt to stop on the exact last beat of the Drum.

Keep an eye out for these talented ladies at the next powwow you go to.